MP Assembly Passes Fire Safety Bill With Fines Up To ₹5 Lakh

The Madhya Pradesh Assembly has passed the Fire Safety and Emergency Services Bill, which provides for stricter fire safety provisions for various establishments, including multi-storey buildings, commercial complexes, and educational institutions. The Bill introduces a maximum penalty of up to ₹5 lakh for violations of fire safety norms.

As per the Bill, an integrated Madhya Pradesh Fire Safety and Emergency Service will be constituted for the state, with a separate directorate for effective implementation of the services. The state government will be able to establish modern fire stations and field units either on its own or on the recommendation of local bodies.

The Bill makes it mandatory to obtain fire plan approval and a Fire No Objection Certificate (NOC) before construction of any building. In its absence, the concerned local body will not issue an Occupancy Certificate. Private qualified agencies with expertise in fire safety will be empowered to issue licences and conduct safety audits.

To reduce the construction cost of commercial buildings, the Bill introduces a provision for shared fire safety infrastructure for a group of buildings or within the same area. Spreading rumours about a fire incident will attract a penalty of ₹20,000, while neglecting safety measures will attract a penalty of up to ₹50,000.

A fine of ₹5,000 per day will be imposed for continuing violations, and a fine of up to ₹5 lakh will be imposed for operating a building without a Fire NOC and sanctioned plan. If a building is found to be dangerous to life and property, the competent officer may seal it, and breaking the seal will attract a fine of ₹5 lakh.

The Bill also provides that if members of the fire safety squad are negligent in performing their duties or display cowardice during duty, they may face imprisonment of up to three months or deduction of three months' salary. In emergencies, the fire safety squad will have the authority to draw water free of cost from any government or private source.

The introduction of this Bill is a significant step towards ensuring fire safety in Madhya Pradesh. The state has witnessed several fire incidents in the past, resulting in loss of life and property. The Bill aims to prevent such incidents by imposing stricter penalties for violations of fire safety norms.

The Madhya Pradesh government has been working towards improving the state's fire safety infrastructure, and the passage of this Bill is a major milestone in this effort. The Bill will help to ensure that buildings and establishments in the state are equipped with adequate fire safety measures, and that the state's fire safety squad is empowered to respond effectively to emergencies.

Overall, the Fire Safety and Emergency Services Bill is a crucial piece of legislation that will help to improve fire safety in Madhya Pradesh. The Bill's provisions for stricter penalties, mandatory fire plan approval, and shared fire safety infrastructure will help to prevent fire incidents and ensure that the state is better equipped to respond to emergencies.

The passage of this Bill is significant for the people of Madhya Pradesh, as it will help to ensure their safety and well-being. The Bill's provisions will also help to promote a culture of fire safety in the state, and will encourage building owners and establishments to take fire safety measures seriously.

In conclusion, the Fire Safety and Emergency Services Bill is a major step forward for Madhya Pradesh, and will help to improve fire safety in the state. The Bill's provisions will help to prevent fire incidents, ensure that buildings and establishments are equipped with adequate fire safety measures, and promote a culture of fire safety in the state.